Prevention Guidelines for Women 18 to 39

Here are the screening tests and immunizations that most women ages 18 to 39 need. A screening test is done to find possible disorders or diseases in people who don't have any symptoms. The goal is to find a disease early so lifestyle changes can be made and you can be watched more closely to reduce the risk of disease, or to detect it early enough to treat it most effectively. Screening tests are not considered diagnostic, but are used to determine if more testing is needed. This plan does not include recommendations for pregnancy. Although you and your healthcare provider may decide that a different schedule is best for you, this plan can guide your discussion.

Screening

Who needs it

How often

Alcohol misuse

All adults

At routine exams

Blood pressure

All adults

Yearly checkup if your blood pressure is normal*

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg*

If your blood pressure reading is higher than normal, follow the advice of your healthcare provider

Breast cancer

All women in this age group should talk with their healthcare providers about breast self-awareness

At routine exams

Cervical cancer

Women ages 21 and older

Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years; women between the ages 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test every 5 years.